Italian Studies and Modern Languages

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Academic Year of Entry: 2023/24 - 2024/25
Course overview
(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Italian Studies and Modern Languages
Withdrawn
University of Essex
University of Essex
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Languages, Cultures and Societies
BA RR38
08/05/2024

Details

Professional accreditation

None

Admission criteria

A-levels: ABB
If Portuguese is taken as the major language, A Level pass (or equivalent) in Italian, French, Spanish or Portuguese or first language level fluency in Italian, French, Romanian or Spanish is required.

BTEC: DDD, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.

IB: 32 points or three Higher Level certificates with 655
We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programme Courses (formerly certificates) at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for.
We can also consider combinations with BTECs or other qualifications in the Career-related programme – the acceptability of BTECs and other qualifications depends on the subject studied, advice on acceptability can be provided. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
To study Portuguese as your major language, you need a pass in Higher Level Italian, French, Spanish or Portuguese or fluency in Italian, French, Romanian or Spanish.

Access to HE Diploma:15 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 30 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.

T-levels: Distinction, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.

What if I don’t achieve the grades I hoped?

If your final grades are not as high as you had hoped, the good news is you may still be able to secure a place with us on a course which includes a foundation year. Visit our undergraduate application information page for more details.

What if I have a non-traditional academic background?
Don’t worry. To gain a deeper knowledge of your course suitability, we will look at your educational and employment history, together with your personal statement and reference.

You may be considered for entry into Year 1 of your chosen course. Alternatively, some UK and EU applicants may be considered for Essex Pathways, an additional year of study (known as a foundation year/year 0) helping students gain the necessary skills and knowledge in order to succeed on their chosen course. You can find a list of Essex Pathways courses and entry requirements here

If you are a mature student, further information is here

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. (Different requirements apply for second year entry.)

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

If you are an international student requiring a visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels required. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications.

Additional Notes

If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College here.

Course qualifiers

A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).

None

Rules of assessment

Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.

Additional notes

None

External examiners

External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment. External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course. They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards. External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.

eNROL, the module enrolment system, is now open until Monday 21 October 2024 8:59AM, for students wishing to make changes to their module options.

Key

Core You must take this module.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options You can choose which module to study.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory You must take this module.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Compulsory with Options You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Optional You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.

Year 1 - 2023/24

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  LA041-4-FY-CO  Language Expert 1  Compulsory  30  30 
02    LA630-4-FY or LA640-4-FY or (LA621-4-AU and LA622-4-SP)  Compulsory with Options  30  30 
03    Language (initial to advanced) option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
04    Language (initial to advanced) option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
05  LA099-4-FY-CO  Careers and Employability Skills for Languages and Linguistics  Compulsory 

Year 2 - 2024/25

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01    LA640-5-FY or LA650-5-FY  Compulsory with Options  30  30 
02  LA051-5-FY-CO  Intercultural Communication and Research Skills  Compulsory  30  30 
03    Language (lower intermediate or above) option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
04    Language (lower intermediate or above) option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
05  LA099-5-FY-CO  Careers and Employability Skills for Languages and Linguistics  Compulsory 

Exit awards

A module is given one of the following statuses: 'core' – meaning it must be taken and passed; 'compulsory' – meaning it must be taken; or 'optional' – meaning that students can choose the module from a designated list. The rules of assessment may allow for limited condonement of fails in 'compulsory' or 'optional' modules, but 'core' modules cannot be failed. The status of the module may be different in any exit awards which are available for the course. Exam Boards will consider students' eligibility for an exit award if they fail the main award or do not complete their studies.

Programme aims

  • Enable students to become proficient in Italian and one or more modern languages, developing an appropriate level of fluency and accuracy in using the languages as a medium of understanding, expression and communication (both oral and written), with awareness of stylistic and sociolinguistic variation, and (where relevant higher-level courses are taken) developing a corresponding level of proficiency in translation, interpreting, and creative writing.
  • Develop students' understanding of aspects of the culture and society of countries which use the chosen modern languages as a medium of communication, enabling them to draw comparisons with their own culture and observe contrasts and (through the year abroad) to experience, engage with and integrate into another culture.
  • Equip students with a range of transferable cognitive, practical and key skills, and a foundation for further study, employment and lifelong learning.


  • Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods

    On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:

    A: Knowledge and understanding

    A1: Phonology, morphology, syntax, lexis, usage, and socio-stylistic variation in Italian and the other chosen modern language(s), and (on relevant higher-level courses) techniques of translation, interpreting, and creative writing

    A2: Aspects of the culture and society of countries which use Italian and the other chosen modern language(s) as a medium of communication, drawing comparisons with their own culture and observing contrasts

    A3: Linguistic concepts and metalanguage used to describe and analyse Italian and the other chosen modern languages, and analytic methods and techniques used to analyse texts and other authentic modern language materials from a variety of perspectives

    Learning methods

    Modern Language proficiency A1 is developed through classwork, homework, use of dedicated software and Web materials, and the year abroad.

    Cultural awareness A2 is developed through class and web materials, and the year abroad (during which students experience, engage with and integrate into another culture, either by a period of study at a partner institution offering the opportunity to operate in a different academic, linguistic and cultural environment, or by working as a language assistant and thereby acquiring valuable vocational experience of working abroad).

    Skills of linguistic analysis A3 are developed through study of authentic (textual, or video, or film, or aural) materials in class.

    All three types of knowledge and understanding are reinforced by feedback from staff in class, in office hours, or by email.

    Assessment methods

    Methods employed to assess knowledge and understanding on Modern Languages courses typically include: role-play activities; class presentations; oral exams; written coursework, e.g.
    Essays, book reports, translations, project work; unseen written exams; class tests; web-based assignments involving a web search or producing web materials.

    B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

    B1: Analyse authentic language materials in Italian and the other chosen modern language(s) from a variety of perspectives

    B2: Abstract and synthesise information from authentic written and spoken materials in Italian and the other chosen modern language(s

    B3: Interact in Italian and the other chosen modern language(s), expressing one's own ideas (and responding to those put forward by others) coherently and articulately

    Learning methods

    Methods employed to develop cognitive skills on Modern Languages courses typically include: group discussion of topical themes and analysis of authentic (textual, or video, or film, or aural) materials in class; laboratory work involving use of dedicated software and Web materials; and staff advice, feedback and interaction with students in office hours and via email.

    Assessment methods

    Methods employed to assess cognitive skills on Modern Languages courses typically include: role-play activities; class presentations; oral exams; written coursework, e.g.
    Essays, book reports, translations, project work; unseen written exams; class tests; web-based assignments involving a web search or producing web materials.

    C: Practical skills

    C1: Organise and present (orally and in writing) ideas and materials in Italian and the other chosen modern language(s) coherently and articulately

    C2: Gather and process information from different sources, e.g. doing a bibliographic search in the library, accessing material from online databases and locating and downloading appropriate foreign language materials from the Web

    Learning methods

    Methods employed to develop practical skills typically include: group discussion of topical themes and analysis of authentic (textual, or video, or film, or aural) materials in class; laboratory work involving use of dedicated software and Web materials; and staff advice, feedback and interaction with students in office hours and via email.

    Assessment methods

    Methods employed to assess practical skills typically include: role-play activities; class presentations; oral exams; written coursework, e.g.
    Essays, book reports, translations, project work; unseen written exams; class tests; web-based assignments involving a web search or producing web materials.

    D: Key skills

    D1: Communicate ideas, information and arguments (both orally and in writing) in Italian and the other chosen modern language(s), with a level of fluency, accuracy, clarity and effectiveness (and sensitivity to register and style) which depends on the level of the courses taken

    D2: Demonstrate a range of IT skills which will typically include the ability to do word processing, use Powerpoint and e-mail, conduct bibliographic searches, locate and download modern language internet materials, and utilise software packages

    D4: Analyse language materials in Italian and the other chosen Modern Language(s), identifying problems and creatively discussing solutions

    D5: Collaborate with others to work creatively and flexibly as part of a team

    D6: Work autonomously showing organisation, self-discipline and time management; reflect on their own work and respond constructively to the comments of others; learn new material; adapt to new ways of learning.

    Learning methods

    Methods employed to develop key skills on Modern Languages courses typically include: group discussion of topical themes and analysis of authentic (textual, or video, or film, or aural) materials in class; laboratory work involving use of dedicated software and Web materials; and staff advice, feedback and interaction with students in office hours and via email.

    Assessment methods

    Methods employed to assess key skills on Modern Languages courses typically include: role-play activities; class presentations, in some cases using Powerpoint; oral exams; written coursework, e.g.
    Essays, book reports, translations, project work; unseen written exams; class tests; web-based assignments involving a web search or producing web materials.


    Note

    The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

    The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

    Contact

    If you are thinking of studying at Essex and have questions about the course, please contact Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admit@essex.ac.uk, or Postgraduate Admissions by emailing pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

    If you're a current student and have questions about your course or specific modules, please contact your department.

    If you think there might be an error on this page, please contact the Course Records Team by emailing crt@essex.ac.uk.